XM Activates UAE SCA Category 5 Licence, Expanding Its Presence Across the Emirates
XM has confirmed that it is now operating under a Category 5 licence issued by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), enabling the broker to offer its full suite of trading services across the Emirates. The approval, reported earlier by Finance Magnates, was originally granted in September, with activation planned before the end of 2025.
Although the SCA has not yet published an entry for XM on publicly accessible licence registers, the company’s confirmation reflects a broader move by global brokers to secure regulated status in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing retail-trading markets.
Publish Date
19 Dec 2025
Reading Time
10 minutes
Category
Legal Guides
Jurisdiction
UAE
What the SCA Category 5 Licence Allows
A Category 5 licence authorises brokers to provide a defined range of trading and investment services to UAE clients under the SCA’s supervision. XM stated that the licence will allow traders to access its complete ecosystem, including market instruments, education and support, through its new bilingual platform at https://www.xm.ae.
The UAE’s SCA framework has become a benchmark for regional investor protection, requiring firms to demonstrate operational governance, compliant onboarding, transparent pricing and appropriate risk controls. Local licensing is increasingly viewed as a differentiator among global platforms serving Gulf clients.
XM Strengthens Its Middle East Expansion Strategy
XM’s move follows growing regional demand for regulated, technology-led trading platforms. Co-CEO Menelaos Menelaou said that SCA approval reinforces the group’s commitment to long-term growth in the Emirates, adding that the UAE continues to develop as a “world-class financial hub.”
The brokerage also marked its fifteenth year in business in 2025 and plans to deepen localisation efforts. Its new UAE website supports Arabic and English users and is positioned as the entry point for onshore clients who prefer domestically regulated entities.
Competition Intensifies Among UAE-Regulated Brokers
XM joins a rapidly expanding field of global brokers seeking SCA authorisation. Firms such as Exinity, VT Markets, Eightcap, EC Markets and Taurex have entered the market through similar permissions, while others — including Plus500, XTB and RoboMarkets — have obtained broader Dubai brokerage licences covering additional activities.
The UAE is attracting multinational platforms for several reasons:
• investor participation continues to rise across FX, commodities and indices;
• demand for domestic regulatory protection strengthens consumer confidence;
• wealth concentration in the Gulf increases appetite for sophisticated products.
The trend is reinforced by market data. Capital.com recently disclosed that over 71% of its MENA trading volume came from UAE clients, and CFI Financial reported USD 1.51 trillion in trading volume in Q2 2025 alone — nearly matching half of its 2024 total.
XM’s Global Footprint and Regulatory Positioning
XM serves over 15 million clients worldwide and holds licences in the UK, Australia, Cyprus, the UAE and the Bahamas. Its regulatory diversification mirrors competitors’ strategies to balance regional opportunities with local compliance obligations.
The broker continues to emphasise transparent execution, client-protection standards and technology-driven infrastructure — positioning itself to compete in markets with increasingly sophisticated regulatory environments.
What Comes Next for XM in the UAE
If XM’s operational activation proceeds as planned, UAE clients will gain access to a regulated platform offering FX, commodities, indices, equities and education services. The licence also positions XM to deepen partnerships, expand local support teams and integrate UAE-specific service enhancements.
As with all newly issued SCA authorisations, ongoing compliance will determine the pace of full rollout. Legasset will continue monitoring regulatory records, SCA circulars and market-entry updates as the sector evolves.
FAQ: XM’s UAE SCA Licence and Regional Market Entry
What does an SCA Category 5 licence allow?
It authorises a broker to provide specific trading and investment-related services under SCA supervision. The permitted scope includes distribution of regulated trading instruments and compliant onboarding of UAE clients.
Is XM officially listed on the SCA register today?
As of publication, the SCA has not publicly listed XM in its accessible registers. The current information relies on XM’s disclosure and media reporting.
How does SCA licensing compare with DIFC/DFSA or ADGM FSRA?
SCA licensing applies to onshore UAE operations. DFSA (DIFC) and FSRA (ADGM) supervise firms in financial-free-zone jurisdictions with different permissions and capital rules.
Why are global brokers expanding into the UAE?
The UAE offers strong investor activity, a regulated environment, rising demand for multi-asset products and access to affluent Gulf clients.
What services will XM offer in the UAE?
XM states it will provide its full trading ecosystem — including FX, CFDs, indices and educational resources — through its new localised website, subject to ongoing compliance.
Check Our Available Ready-Made Licenses
Below are all the off-the-shelf license options available for purchase. Browse through the list of licenses and read the details to choose the option that is right for your business:
